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Midway between Bozeman and West Yellowstone lies the renowned Big Sky, Montana. A quaint town of 1,245 year-round residents, Big Sky offers fun for every outdoorsman with first-class fly fishing, hiking, biking camping, rafting, wildlife viewing, and of course, skiing.
Sitting at an elevation of 6,200 feet, Big Sky has cool summers with average temperatures in the 60s and 70s. The average temperature in the winters is about 20 degrees, making for perfect and enjoyable ski weather. Each year Big Sky expects about 400 inches of snow.
The mountains of powdery snow attract many visitors to Big Sky. The Big Sky Ski Resort yields 3600 acres of skiable terrain and boasts the country's longest vertical at 4,350 feet. The run from Liberty Bowl to Mountain Mall is 6 miles. Big Sky Ski Resort is home to 150 named runs that cover over 85 miles of skiable terrain which accommodate all levels from beginner to expert. With lift capacity of over 20,000 skiers per hour, lift lines are basically nonexistent. Ski season lasts from the end of November to mid-April.
If downhill skiing or snowboarding is not what you're after, Big Sky has excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Sleigh rides, dog-sledding, and snowmobile tours are also available.
Because Big Sky is in close proximity to Yellowstone National Park, a lot of the terrain is similar, making for great summertime hiking, camping, and biking. Expert guides are always ready to be of service, although most of the trails are publicly accessible and easy to enjoy on your own.
Besides the great outdoors, Big Sky has all the amenities of a small town with big city ideals. There are over 25 restaurants and eateries to satiate the hunger and thirst created after a long hike, and over 40 shops that provide everything from groceries to gifts to gear. Big Sky also has a nice selection of spas ready to cater to your every whim when you feel the need to pamper yourself.
If you are traveling with young children, keep in mind that a lot of the outfitters for activities such as horseback riding and rafting have age qualifications. The ski resort offers a few organized actives for children in the winter such as ski lessons and daycare. However, in the summers, organized activities may be hard to find.
It is easy to get in and out of Big Sky. The closest airport is 38 miles away in Bozeman, Montana. The airport is served by Delta, Northwest, United, Alaska, and Horizon airlines. Big Sky is also only 19 miles away from the Yellowstone National Park boundary. However, it is another 30 miles to the west entrance gate in West Yellowstone.
